Directions to the Wisconsin Historical Society

The headquarters building contains the Society's Library and Archives as well as the offices of most Society programs. The headquarters is within walking distance of the graduate and undergraduate libraries, as well as the state capitol and downtown Madison.  The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on the Capitol Square.

Directions and Parking

From the South (Illinois):

1. Take I90 to 12/18
2. Go west on 12/18 and exit onto 151 north. This is also known as Park Street.
3. Travel north on Park Street until Johnson Street, about 26 blocks. Turn right.
4. Continue on Johnson for 2 blocks, and then turn left onto Lake Street.
5. Park at the State Street Campus Ramp (also known as the Lake Street Ramp).

From the West (Iowa):

1. Take Highway 12/18 to Highway 151 north. This is also called Park Street.
2. Travel north on Park Street until Johnson Street. Turn right.
3. Continue on Johnson for 2 blocks, and then turn left onto Lake Street.
4. Park at the State Street Campus Ramp (also known as the Lake Street Ramp).

From the East (Milwaukee) or from the North (Minnesota):

1. Take I90 or I94 to Highway 30
2. From Highway 30 take Highway 151 (State Capitol exit)
3. Turn right at First Street.
4. Turn left onto Johnson Street, go 3 blocks. 
5. Bear right onto Gorham Street (one-way), go about 15 blocks.
6. Bear right onto University Avenue, go 2 blocks. 
7. Turn right onto Lake Street. 
8. Park at the State Street Campus Ramp (also known as the Lake Street Ramp).

Reserved Parking While there is no parking available at the Library, patrons with limited mobility may be dropped off in the parking lot used by the Historical Society staff and delivery vehicles. Reserved parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available across Langdon Street in the Memorial Union parking lot (UW Lot #1). See our map for more details. See more about accessibility to our building for people with disabilities.

City Parking State Street Campus Ramp is the closest city parking lot, nearby on Frances and Lake Streets. See the City of Madison website for current rate information. Many city lots and downtown metered street parking become filled by midmorning, especially during special events.

University Parking UW parking lots nearby have metered parking for up to two hours. All day parking requires a permit. The UW campus offers shuttle service to the Society from outlaying permit lots. To arrange a visitor's permit, contact UW Transportation Service. Reserved daily permit parking can be purchased up to a week ahead of time. You can also view the UW campus parking map for additional information (requires Flash player).

Transportation

Alternatives to driving and downtown parking also exist. Several Madison city buses stopping one block from the building give easy access to all sections of the city. Park and ride lots allow drivers to park for free and ride city buses to various Madison destinations. Call Madison Metro at (608) 266-4466 for scheduling and route information.

The Van Galder Bus Co. (608-257-5593) runs 14 buses a day to and from Chicago's O'Hare Airport. A one-way trip takes 3 hours and leaves visitors at the Historical Society's door.

Badger Coaches (608-255-6771) runs 7 buses a day between Milwaukee's Mitchell Field and the Historical Society's door.

If you have a group of 10 or more, you may want to consider planning your trip with a charter bus. First Student Charter Bus Rental (1-866-953-8747) can help your group travel a few blocks or hundreds of miles.

Maps
Click on one of the maps below to see a larger version.

Approach to Madison

Madison Downtown (Inset from Approach)

Wisconsin Historical Society - Wheelchair Access Map